Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

May 8, 2012

A Folsom-based technology company has developed a new mobile device application that it predicts will become the go-to source for looking up California state employee phone numbers and email addresses.

Kiefer Consulting Inc. introduced the CA State Directory mobile app at the Government Mobility Conference earlier this year. The app uses public records in the state's database, but users can edit information and forward the corrected data to the state, which can then change its records.

The program also allows users to call and email, add information to contact lists and send vCards for address book updating.

When asked how state workers have received the product, company spokesman Chris Loeffler said that the response has been generally positive, although some government employees would prefer their direct lines weren't so accessible.

"However, they are state workers and their role is to support citizens," Loeffler said. He also thinks the app will expedite employee-to-employee contact as individuals and departments see the value of the service.

Kiefer Consulting developed the app in "about a week," Loeffler said. California gets the home-state discount -- no charge -- but the firm plans to sell similar programs for the other 49 states. It also has fielded inquiries from potential advertisers, Loeffler said.

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About The State Worker

The Author

Jon Ortiz launched The State Worker blog and a companion column in 2008 to cover state government from the perspective of California government employees. Every day he filters the news through a single question: "What does this mean for state workers?" Join Ortiz for updates and debate on state pay, benefits, pensions, contracts and jobs. Contact him at (916) 321-1043 and at jortiz@sacbee.com.

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